This is a great tour for the nature enthusiast that doesn't have a lot of time in country. Explore the coastal waterways of the Tortuguero. Walk the beach in search of the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle's nesting grounds. Explore the lush rainforest of La Selva Biological Station and mystery of the cloud forest.
Day 1: Drive from San Jose to Siquirres, Caño Blanco where we will take a beautiful boat ride to the lodge. We will arrive just in time for lunch. After lunch we take a boat tour through the jungle-lined canal of the Tortuguero. We will see an abundance of wildlife, such as crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, kingfishers, tiger herons, oropendulas, tanagers, manakins. In the after noon we will visit the turtles Museum for a talk and video about sea turtles protection and conservation in Tortuguero, and all the research projects since 1954 by Archie Carr, a lifelong student of sea turtles, and the CCC (Caribbean Conservation Corps). After dinner we will walk the beaches with a local guide in search of the Green Turtle as well as the Hawksbill Turtle (*seasonal). Over night Laguna Lodge.
Day 2: Boat the canals at 6:AM come back for breakfast at 8:AM and then hike El Cerro "the mountain" the only mountain in Tortuguero. We do not climb the mountain just walk the base from one canal to another (approximately a two hours walk). We are likely to see poison arrow frogs, monkeys, lizards, Honduran white bats, Purple Throated Fruit-crow (Cotinga), Woodpeckers, Woodcreepers, Parrots, Toucans, and more. In the afternoon we'll go back to exploring the canals for more wildlife. After dinner a turtle walk is optional (*seasonal). Over night Laguna lodge.
Day 3: After breakfast back to Caño Blanco by boat, drive to Selva Verde lodge, we will arrive at Selva Verde Lodge just in time for lunch. After lunch we will spend the afternoon exploring the wildlife-rich riparian zone along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. This rain forest region at the base of the Caribbean slope is well known for hosting the greatest diversity of tropical flora and fauna. This is a great time of the year and location to spot the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species that depends on the Dipteryx tree for feeding and nesting. This is one of the emergent trees commonly found in Sarapiqui. Also lurking in the forest are two- and three-toed sloths, 3 different species of monkeys, and peccaries. Optional owling after dinner for about an hour or so. Over night Selva Verde Lodge.
Day 4: Spend the day at La Selva Biological Station, run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), clearly a highlight of the tour. The station is among the four most famous tropical research facilities in the world. We will see an outstanding abundance of wildlife. The station is home to more than 420 bird species, more than 500 species of butterflies, 55 species of snakes, and 120 species of mammals. A vast variety of different species of trees can be seen in the arboretum. Animals here are not camera shy, so there will be ample photo opportunities. Peccaries (wild pig), agoutis, coatis, sloth, and monkeys frequent this area. All of which makes for an unforgettable day.
Day 5: En route to the airport, visit the hummingbird gallery at El Mirador and Water Falls Gardens, where at least 11 species of hummingbirds can be seen. As we make our way up between the Braulio Carrio National Park and the Poas Volacano Park, we will pass spectacular waterfalls, excellent spots for viewing the Tropical Parula, the American Dipper, and the Torrent Tyranulet. Finally we will walk through the serene river valley called Virgen de Socorro, where we may be lucky enough to see the Lanceolated Monklet.
*departing flights should be in the afternoon to accommodate travel time from the Sarapiqui to the airport.
Tour includes all lodging and meals (lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 5, all transportation in Costa Rica in a modern air-conditioned vehicle; full time private bi-lingual professional guide specializing in birds and natural history; entrance fees to parks, reserves, boat tours(airport taxes and tips to local staff not included). Price based on double occupancy.
